Post by Angels in Heaven on Jun 3, 2005 10:24:25 GMT -5
All children from infant up are seeking independence, which makes the most important step the hardest. Keep track of your charges. With my own experience and after talking to other parents 3 suggestions keep coming up.
1. Hold their hand. Not always possible but the best. That way you know the instant they have left your side. This is definitely the least expensive and best way.
2.Child harness or leash. Some people have told me they find these inhumane others believe there is no better way. I'll leave that up to you to decide.
3. Electronic Proximity devices. I have been unable to find one in Canada for children though they have been available for computers and briefcases for years. These have a benefit and a drawback that everyone knows your child has left your side. This is also the most expensive option.
Another important point is to have a plan if the child and guardian are separated. Both the guardian and child must know what to do.
Examples are :
Child and guardian yell for each other. Other shoppers may not appreciate it but that is their problem, any store that is bothered by this is probably not worth your patronage.
Have a prearranged meeting place my parents always said "If we are separated meet at the landmark". (ie The Toy Train by the pet shop. Or customer service.)
If you are separated from your child contact store security or a clerk immediately they will help find the child and often have procedures in place to stop the child from going too far. See "The Quick Recovery Guide" for more information of this.
Abduction Prevention
Society is in a sad state of affairs. The truth of the matter is your main goal is to make your child the hardest abduction target. Many of the Loss Prevention tips apply here. If you are holding your child's hand or tied to the child (electronically or physically) a potential abductor will find it more difficult to lure the child away.
The key to this is to have a plan, and make sure your child knows the plan.
1. Screaming makes everyone uneasy especially a potential abductor who wants to remain anonymous.
2. Teach children how to phone home and or a guardians cell phone.
3. Make sure children know how to call 911 (See Emergency numbers of the world) or your local police emergency number.